2 held for stealing over USD 30,000 from MH370 victims

By PTI |Posted 15-Aug-2014

Kuala Lumpur: A Malaysian bank officer and her husband have been arrested and a hunt is on for a Pakistani man for allegedly stealing over USD 30,000 from the accounts of four passengers aboard the missing airliner MH370. The couple was arrested late last evening on suspicion that they withdrew 110,643 ringgit (USD 34,850) from the bank accounts of two Malaysian and two Chinese victims.

The two accused, who were remanded until Sunday, had no previous criminal record, said Commercial CID chief Assistant Comm Izany Abd Ghani. Police were also looking for a Pakistani man believed to be involved in the fraudulent withdrawals, Ghani added. The arrested bank officer had been working for an unnamed bank for past ten years, whereas her husband, Ali Farran, worked as a mechanic in Ampang, said Dang Wangi police chief Zainuddin Ahmad.

According to The Star, the cash was withdrawn in July from four HSBC accounts, and following an internal inquiry a police complaint was logged on August 2. Initial police investigation also revealed that from the 110,643 ringgit, a sum of 35,000 ringgit was transferred into a fifth account through Internet banking. Zainuddin said the investigation revealed that the 35,000 ringgit was transferred to the Pakistani's bank account.

"Investigations are still underway to find out the relationship between the detained bank officer and the Pakistani," SAC Zainuddin said. Police officials have also advised families of passengers of MH370 to monitor their (passengers') bank statements just to be vigilant.